A PREVIEW — PAGTANAW 2050: THE PHILIPPINE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND INNOVATION FORESIGHT

Abstract

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has always pushed for the country’s scientific and technological advancement. On the other hand, the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) has served as primary adviser to government on matters related to science and technology and has actively worked towards developing a truly Filipino productive science culture. In 2019, DOST Secretary Fortunato T. De La Peña challenged NAST PHL to undertake a foresight study, similar to the Malaysia’s Outlook 2050 crafted by the Akademi Sains Malaysia. The NAST PHL’s proposal to develop a 30-year STI Foresight, including strategic plans, was quickly approved for funding by the DOST Executive Committee the following year. The NAST PHL was able to complete the first and second versions of the country’s STI Foresight document, aptly entitled PAGTANAW 2050, or LOOKING AHEAD 2050, despite the technical and other unprecedented difficulties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. PAGTANAW 2050 is the first DOST-funded inter-disciplinal and trans-disciplinal project on Philippine-focused STI Foresight and Strategic Plan that will impact on the aspirations of the Filipino people by 2050. It is a compendium of STI megatrends, global and national societal goals, transdisciplinary, and interdisciplinary operational areas, and current and emerging technologies relevant to the nation’s development that is firmly grounded in the Filipino people’s aspirations within the context of the natural and physical endowments as well as shared Filipino values and skills, and other potentials. The said document also delves into probable and significant drivers of change, and provides insights and reflections on the plausible development paths towards achieving the Filipino aspirations as expressed in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the various Philippine Development Plans, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Department of Science and Technology Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda, and the National Economic Development Authority’s vision for the Filipino people, AmBisyon Natin 2040 (NEDA, 2016). At the core of this Foresight are 12 key operational areas, namely: Blue Economy; Governance; Business and Trade; Digital Transformation and Information and Communications Technology; Science Education and Talent Retention; Food Security and Nutrition; Health Systems; Energy; Water; Environment and Climate Change; Shelter, Transportation, and Other Infrastructure; and Space Exploration. It is hoped that the S&T aspirations of the Filipino people will be achieved by 2050 through this Foresight